K’boro company
secures jobs with acquisition

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, has secured the future of the entire workforce of Wm Spence Sheet Metal, a specialist firm established 25 years ago which employs 19 skilled staff who will continue to operate out of the Bradford plant. Retiring shareholders Steven Jackson and Trevor Davies will remain in the business for an agreed handover period.

Angus Milnes, director of Craven & Co, said: “Our purchase of Wm Spence Sheet Metal, which has an excellent reputation for quality and delivery, will enhance our technical capabilities and increase our skills base. We wanted to reinforce our manufacturing capabilities in sheet metal and also deliver a sales stream from their customer base into the products that Craven is already making. Further expansion of the Bradford site is in our sights as a result.”

Founded in Starbeck, Harrogate, in 1958, Craven & Co designs and supplies hygienic storage and handling systems to the catering and health sector. In recent years the business has developed and expanded through strategic acquisition and increased its stainless and mild steel product range in line with this growth.

The company employs 50 people in Knaresborough, where it has been based for about 25 years.